AgClips
Recent AgClips
Canadian dairy proposal draws wide opposition
Capital Press | Posted onSeptember 26, 2016 in Agriculture NewsDairy organizations in the U.S., the European Union, Australia and New Zealand are calling on their trade and agriculture officials to stop a new Canadian dairy policy, saying it will expand that country’s already protectionist policies on dairy trade. The organizations, including the U.S.
NCBA Takes Stand Against HSUS Attempt to Weaken Beef Checkoff
NCBA | Posted onSeptember 26, 2016 in Agriculture NewsThe National Cattlemen’s Beef Association was recently notified that Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) attorneys have filed a lawsuit against USDA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) on behalf of the Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM). This lawsuit seeks to divide the beef industry against itself by opening old wounds and weakening the beef checkoff as HSUS drives toward its ultimate goal of ending animal agriculture.
Western Feedlots shutting down; Canada's biggest feeder blames 'headwinds' in cattle industry
Calgary Herald | Posted onSeptember 26, 2016 in Agriculture NewsOne of Canada’s largest cattle feeder operations is shutting down, blaming market forces currently rocking the feedlot sector as well as what it calls Alberta’s “poor political and economic environment.” Meanwhile, Alberta’s minister of agriculture and forestry says he was surprised by the move, expressing disappointment at the looming job losses but insisting the industry remains strong. President and CEO Dave Plett said in an interview that the majority of Western’s approximately 85 employees will eventually be laid off, and the company has “teams working now to assist them with transit
China opens doors to Canada with new beef agreement
Meatingplace (registration required) | Posted onSeptember 26, 2016 in Federal NewsThe announcement of a new agreement that will open China to Canadian beef appears to be a significant development and a sign of a warming political relationship between the two nations, according to officials of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), who said they are interested to see the ramifications of this agreement for U.S. beef.
Pork production accelerating, pushing down prices
Meatingplace (registration required) | Posted onSeptember 26, 2016 in Agriculture NewsStrong second-half U.S. pork production, coupled with increases in beef and poultry supplies, is expected to result in lower hog prices, pressuring producer margins despite lower feed costs.
Immigration Does More Good Than Harm to Economy, Study Finds
The Wall Street Journal | Posted onSeptember 23, 2016 in Federal NewsWaves of immigrants coming into the U.S. in recent decades have helped the economy over the long haul and had little lasting impact on the wages or employment levels of native-born Americans, according to one of the most comprehensive studies yet on the topic. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report on immigration assesses the economic and fiscal impacts of immigration, offering a broad look at a phenomenon that has moved to the forefront of the presidential race, with both candidates debating the downsides and merits of immigration.
NASDA says states need more say in fed farm policy
Agri-Pulse | Posted onSeptember 23, 2016 in Federal NewsThe National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) opened its 2016 annual meeting today by calling for the federal government to allow the states to play a greater role in policymaking in the next administration. NASDA's board of directors unanimously approved the group's “Call to Action to 2020: Advancing Agriculture through Enhanced Partnerships,” underscoring the importance of what NASDA President Greg Ibach called “cooperative federalism.” Ibach, who is also Nebraska's Director of Agriculture, said the Call to Action was drafted after an “escalation” of what he said
Energy policies swirling into political maelstrom locally, nationally
Cleveland.com | Posted onSeptember 23, 2016 in Energy NewsPolicy disputes about how electricity ought to be generated and the role of fossil fuels such as gas and oil on the economy are generating one kind of product to be sure -- reports from economists and pollsters. No fewer than two economic reports and one poll were released. And at least one of them, a national poll released by the Young Conservatives for Clean Energy Reform and the Christian Coalition, was aimed at national policy makers and Congress, who normally receive a steady stream of reports from organizations such as the American Petroleum institute.
Ohio attorneys given green light to advise medical marijuana clients
Cleveland.com | Posted onSeptember 23, 2016 in Agriculture NewsOhio attorneys were assured by the state's high court they could assist medical marijuana clients under the new law. A non-binding advisory opinion issued in August suggested Ohio lawyers couldn't advise medical marijuana businesses and patients under the state's professional conduct standards because the substance remains illegal federally.
EU approves Syngenta gm corn
KTICradio | Posted onSeptember 23, 2016 in Agriculture NewsThe European Commission authorized 11 varieties of genetically modified maize produced by Syngenta Crop Protection for use as food or feed. The authorization, which does not cover cultivation, is valid for 10 years and any products with the GM maize strains are subject to labeling and traceability rules. The Commission stepped in with a decision after the EU’s member states failed to produce an opinion.